General discussion after BC and Passport application

I received a letter (13/07/2013) requesting that I send more recent photos for my passport application. I have no idea how they know that my photos are older than a month as I am sure that I have not submitted the same photos before. Thankfully, they do NOT require me to get my referee to counter-sign again. They supplied a sticker that I have to attach to my return envelope. It contains their address, name of the specific case worker and a reference number. I presume that this will allow them to route and process the application quicker.

Has anyone else experienced this? And how soon after sending the new photos did you receive the invitation letter?

Passport interview questions

After submitting the passport application, I saw an Equifax credit report query from Identity and Passport Service.

I guess this will become the basis of the questions on credit account they ask you during the passport interview.

RoyalFlush wrote:I received a letter (13/07/2013) requesting that I send more recent photos for my passport application. I have no idea how they know that my photos are older than a month as I am sure that I have not submitted the same photos before. Thankfully, they do NOT require me to get my referee to counter-sign again. They supplied a sticker that I have to attach to my return envelope. It contains their address, name of the specific case worker and a reference number. I presume that this will allow them to route and process the application quicker.

Has anyone else experienced this? And how soon after sending the new photos did you receive the invitation letter?

Date of request for newer photos: 13/07/2013 (second class mail)
Date of sending new photos: 15/07/2013 (first class regular mail)
Date of receipt of interview letter: 20/07/2013 (dated 18/07/2013)


Having to send new photos did not delay the application much. Considering that the new photos were sent via standard first class mail on the Monday and the interview letter was sent on Thursday, I would say it is pretty quick. Hope this helps others that experience the same. My advice is not to risk using old photos.

RoyalFlush wrote:I received a letter (13/07/2013) requesting that I send more recent photos for my passport application. I have no idea how they know that my photos are older than a month as I am sure that I have not submitted the same photos before. Thankfully, they do NOT require me to get my referee to counter-sign again. They supplied a sticker that I have to attach to my return envelope. It contains their address, name of the specific case worker and a reference number. I presume that this will allow them to route and process the application quicker.

Has anyone else experienced this? And how soon after sending the new photos did you receive the invitation letter?

Quite interesting! How old were the photos?
older than a month by days/ weeks/ months/years?
how did your appearance in the passport photo compare with the one you submitted for naturalisation?

The photos were probably about a year old. I've always tended to use older photos for all of my applications (HSMP, ILR, BC etc) and never had a problem until now. I am sure not to use the same ones again for future applications. The only changes to my physical appearance has been the length of my hair - nothing drastic, perhaps just a few centimeters difference between hair cuts. And perhaps a few pounds of weight in difference. Obviously a change of clothes as well.

Perhaps the case-worker was being on the cautious side.

IPS/HMPO are cautious with the photo and they do normally compare with previous photos especially with the naturalisation one.

Anyway it didn't delay your case too much - that's good.

Notes on passport interview at Chelmsford

I had my passport interview yesterday. For anyone that goes to the Chelmsford office, it is literally just around the corner from Tesco. So, if you are driving, you can get free parking at Tesco.

There was not much waiting. They started on time and were done with me within 15 mins.

Questions were along the lines of:

What is you full name and spell it
What is your date of birth
When did you first come to the UK
What visa did you enter with and did you have to extend it
How long did you have ILR for
What is your current address
Who lives with you
How old are they
How long have you lived there
Where did you live before
What are your parents names and dates of birth
Where were you born
Do you have any family in the UK
Do you have any brothers or sisters
Do you live in a flat or a house
Is the house a single or double storey
Whereabout is your house - is it close to xyz
Are you renting or do you own the property
Do you rent through an agency or a private landlord
What is the name of the letting agency
Who do you bank with
How many accounts do you have and what types
Do you have any monthly direct debits
Who is you cell phone provider
When did you apply for your passport
How did you apply for passport (PO checking service or direct)
What supporting documents did you submit for your passport application and have you received them back
Have you been to Chelmsford before
When and where was your citizenship ceremony
Was your citizenship ceremony private or group
Where are you going after the interview
How did you get here - drive or public transport
Was there much traffic when you were driving here
Why did you apply for the passport - have you arranged any travel
What is the name of your reference who countersigned your application
What is the occupation of your reference who countersigned your application
Are you employed
Who is your employee
How long have you worked there
What is your job title
Have you always worked in this profession

I think that some of the questions are used to get a baseline reference of your body language as they bear no reference to proving your identity and they have no way of knowing the answer. I strongly suspect that they are recording the interview and then review the body language. Prior to leaving, I asked the lady if all was successful. She said that all was good but they do some automated checks after the interview. I suspect (and this is purely speculation) that they run the video through some software to analyze your body language (breathing, eye movement etc),

The interviewer hardly made eye contact. Three people were interviewed simultaneously in separate cubicles - not much privacy but they play some background music to obscure your discussion from prying ears. Two male and one female interviewers in the Chelmsford office. Rather friendly experience in general.

Hope this helps.

I received my passport today. My journey has ended now but a new adventure starts. A huge thank you for all the support and help from this board. I am forever grateful. And good luck to all.

RoyalFlush wrote:I received my passport today. My journey has ended now but a new adventure starts. A huge thank you for all the support and help from this board. I am forever grateful. And good luck to all.

Congratulations and well done - I can't wait to post the same soon Still waiting for my citizenship approval...

Got my passport today. I'd like to say thanks to all members for the help on this journey. Any post, good or bad, helps.
All the best to all of you.

Congrats on getting the passport.

Do you live in Chelmsford or Essex at all?

RoyalFlush wrote:I received my passport today. My journey has ended now but a new adventure starts. A huge thank you for all the support and help from this board. I am forever grateful. And good luck to all.

Hi All,

Just a quick question.

What are the supporting documents which need to be sent out with the passport application form?

I am just aware of the following.

1) Passport Application Form
2) Two Photographs
3) Citizenship / Naturalization Certificate
4) All Previous Passports

Is there any thing else that needs to go along besides these mentioned?

ikk1980 wrote:Hi All,

Just a quick question.

What are the supporting documents which need to be sent out with the passport application form?

I am just aware of the following.

1) Passport Application Form
2) Two Photographs
3) Citizenship / Naturalization Certificate
4) All Previous Passports

Is there any thing else that needs to go along besides these mentioned?

*************************************************************
Hi,

I Sent An Email To The IPS To Inquire About The Supporting Documents And This Is What They Have Replied Hope This Helps Others With The Same Concerns As Mine.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Applicants aged 16 or over, who have never held a 5 year or 10 year UK Passport must apply for a ‘first adult passport’ this will be valid for a period of 10 years.

In order to apply, you must complete Her Majesty's Passport Office application form. This can be obtained from selected Post Office Limited branches. You may also complete an application on-line at www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. The forms will be posted out for you to sign and submit with the supporting documentation.

You will need the following documents:

1. Passport Application Form, completed in black ink and capital letters.
2. Sections 1,2,3,4,5,9 and 10 need to be completed.
3. Two recent identical passport sized photographs (only ONE certified at the back as a true likeness of applicant) these must comply with our NEW guidance; see the photo standards pages inside the guidance booklet within your application pack for full details.
4. Full Birth Certificate/Naturalisation Certificate. If you were born on or after 01/01/1983 you will need to produce a full birth certificate or adoption certificate which shows your parents details.
5. Fee of £72.50
6. Name change document if name has changed.
7. Any passport you have been included on (e.g. as a child).

Nationality documentation required

If one parent is not British you will need to call the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000.

Her Majesty's Passport Office is introducing passport application interviews, which means all adult customers applying for a passport for the first time must attend an interview with Her Majesty's Passport Office in person to confirm their identity.

This change to the application process means first-time adult customers should plan on allowing more time than in the past to attend an interview and get their passport. We recommend that customers submit their applications 6 weeks before they require their passport to travel and not to make any travel arrangements until the new passport is received.

Thank you

Customer service e-mail team

Hi,

We are just about to send off my husband's passport application. We attended a ceremony last week and received his citizenship certificate. I was half expecting the certificate to be on hard card rather than just a piece of paper. We might want to frame the certificate eventually so I am just wondering how the passport office will return this. I am planning on sending it flat to them but I'm a bit worried that they will fold this when they return it.

Also, what kind of questions can my husband expect in the interview?

Thanks,

Hi
Need to clear a thing with u if u can it will be big help. My younger bother had his passport interview today in Crawley. All went fine except when interviewer asked name of counter signature he didn't tell his correct name as we signed with two different guys both are medical doctor and he mixed it one name with another .the interviewer kept asking him question and except his name he told him every thing correctly as we know him for a long time...he realized it after like 2 mins and now he is bit worry about this as he needs to travel in a week for a job purpose and he need his passport
Kindly advice me what could be the consequences

Thanks in advance

Dear All,

I am trying to find the information about Dual Nationality of my child who was born 8 months ago in January. My wife is Dutch so we applied Dutch passport for the child.

I got my ILR in April 2013, now I can apply for my baby naturalisation and get british citizenship for her. Can she keep both citizenships Dutch and British?

Netherlands does not allow to keep dual citizenship but can a minor below 18 keep the dual nationality till she become adult to decide which one she would like to keep.

I am applying for MN1 next week so please give me as much information as possible. I will really thankful to all.#

Regards,

Hi Guys,

I recently received my Indefinitive Leave to Remain (settlement), and the issue date on BRP ILR card is 2-8-2013 however, I have waited for 9 months.

Now I m preparing for British Citizenship application, im just wondering, can I apply 12 months after the issue date, i.e. 2-8-2014 or can I include those 9 waiting months as well that means I can apply soon.

Many thanks for you help in advance.

SET0 wrote:Hi Guys,

I recently received my Indefinitive Leave to Remain (settlement), and the issue date on BRP ILR card is 2-8-2013 however, I have waited for 9 months.

Now I m preparing for British Citizenship application, im just wondering, can I apply 12 months after the issue date, i.e. 2-8-2014 or can I include those 9 waiting months as well that means I can apply soon.

Many thanks for you help in advance.

All applicants must hold ILR for one full year before they can apply for citizenship except the spouses of British citizens who can apply immediately after they are granted ILR as long as they meet the residence requirements.

You do not count the period while you were waiting for ILR because it was not granted during that waiting period.

The rules for citizenship and ILR are covered by separate legislation and so there is no provision in the citizenship legislation which allows for earlier applications based on your ILR application taking longer than expected. The two pieces of legislation do not overlap.

SetO, you may want to ask your question as separate thread, so as more people can see it and answer. I have read somewhere that if ILR application takes longer than certain time, there is home secretary discretion to apply for citizenship, someone else may know more about it.

Hello nice people

Did any one feel section 8 Application form
Conserning grandparents full name ,date of north , town of birth, marriage date .

I am bit confuse!!!!

Should I feel it or leave it .

Anny help. Please

Thanks

Person wrote:Hello nice people

Did any one feel section 8 Application form
Conserning grandparents full name ,date of north , town of birth, marriage date .

I am bit confuse!!!!

Should I feel it or leave it .

Anny help. Please

Thanks

*************************************************************
Hi,

It depends on what basis you are applying.

My first adult British passport .

Before applying for passport, you should read this document
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... 184487.pdf

It says -
First British passport - Adult Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9.
The countersignatory must fill in section 10 and sign one of your
passport photos.

So you need to fill in sections 1,2,3,4,5 and 9.

For section 8, it says -

Section 8: More information
Get it right
Most people will not need to fill in this
section. The examples below show when
you should give us extra information using
this section.
̐ Names that you were not able to fit in the
boxes in section 2.
̐ If you have changed your name as a result
of getting married but you want to continue
to use your maiden name for professional
purposes. You should make a statement in
section 8 of the application form and we will
add a note on the observation page of your
passport showing your maiden name.
̐ Grandparents’ details if both parents named
in section 4 were born after 31 December
1982 or were born abroad.
̐ If your passport is lost or stolen and you have
already sent us a Lost and Stolen Notification
form LS01, tell us here that you have already
sent us the form.
̐ Tell us why you need to have your passport sent
to another address and give us the other address.
̐ If you have a mental or physical condition that
you believe would prevent you from coming
to, or taking part in, an identity interview.
(See page 23.)
̐ If your passport is damaged, explain briefly
how it was damaged.
̐ Your Typetalk phone number or your preferred
method of communication if you are blind or
partially sighted (for example, by phone or in
large print).
̐ If a signature could not be provided in section
6 or 9, you should explain why.
̐ If the application is for a child and you have
parental responsibility, you should say if you
have enclosed any court orders that relate
to the child’s residence in, contact with or
removal from, the UK.
̐ If the applicant was born of a surrogacy
arrangement.
̐ If the address you have given in section 2
is not where you live, please explain why.
̐ If there is not enough space in section 8,
please include any extra information on a
blank sheet of paper. You should sign this
and include it with your application form.

Thanks

Guys, did anyone has a passport interview at Chelmsford and walked from the train station to the office? Would 20 minutes be enough time to do?
I don't drive, need to use a train or bus and would have about 30 minutes to get there. They say to be 10 minutes earlier for the interview so... I am a bit worried if there is enough time. I have never been in Chelmsford before.